Man Utd face big decision over eight out of contract stars
Robin Bairner
- 20 Nov 2023 07:38 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United have as many as eight players out of contract at the end of the season, meaning that the next few weeks will be pivotal in the future of numerous stars.
As of 1 January, foreign clubs will be able to open contract talks with Man Utd’s players with expiring contracts, meaning that Erik ten Hag and his staff with have to get plans into place quickly over how they wish to approach the future.
Complicating matters is the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover has not yet been concluded, meaning that the new sporting boss of the club – who could well be Paul Mitchell – has not yet been put in place.
MORE: Man Utd tipped to raid Everton for two key players
United have already seen the mayhem that a messy contract situation can cause this season, with David De Gea’s saga ultimately causing mayhem as he failed to agree a new deal, forcing Ten Hag into a hasty move for Andre Onana that has not yet worked.
But who could be in De Gea’s shoes this summer?
Man Utd have six players out of contract:
- Tom Heaton
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Victor Lindelof
- Jonny Evans
- Hannibal Mejbri
- Anthony Martial
Crucially, United have the option to extend each of these contracts by one year, with the exception of Evans and Heaton.
They are likely to trigger this clause in the case of Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof and Hannibal if new deals cannot be agreed before the end of the year, yet Martial finds himself vulnerable to being released.
Who is on loan at Man Utd?
Man Utd also have to make a decision over two loan players.
- Sergio Reguilon
- Sofyan Amrabat
There is less urgency to make calls over the future of this pair given Man Utd have not invested huge transfer fees in either of these players.
Amrabat is the likelier of the pair to continue at the club, especially since he is out of contract with Fiorentina at the end of the season, but he has not yet made the impact at Old Trafford Ten Hag may have hoped.
Reguilon, meanwhile, was a surprise summer addition to the squad after injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, and the prospects of him remaining are still.
